I'm a fan of pet rats too. There was a period of time, oh so long ago... when I was a working student and had to pay rent on my own apartment. Struggling through college was easier since I had these wonderful pets. I had a big mouse cage for mine and their door was left open when I was doing homework (I had no TV). They very cute, all creamy beige in color. They came when I called them and knew their names. Sometimes I could manage to spring for a small bag of Cheetos (buying junk food on a budget was hard then, lol) They would each get a big one, all their own and race back to their mouse den to eat their prizes. They got carrots, fruit and regular rat chow too.

Reminiscing, a local college used to have something called a "Rat Decathlon" and students would train their rats to do a lot of unique routines, at least ten routines -- then they would compete. I don't find much about it on line... hrm... Either it's now called something else, or those cool contests don't exist any more.

I also had at least one or two Siamese Fighting fish in different containers. At the time (I used jars). I kept a few goldfish too. The rats were very affectionate and interactive, the fish were just so beautiful.

Best wishes to you for your future.